To promote the UN Convention Against Corruption signed in 2003, the UN designated International Anti-Corruption Day to be celebrated annually on December 9. MSI anti-corruption projects support governments and NGOs to build public awareness of corruption’s cost and steps countries are taking to keep corruption under control. MSI’s project commemorated the day worldwide:
Performers at SPEAKFEST
Indonesia: Amidst drizzling rain in Jakarta, youth enjoyed a blend of art and music performances at SPEAKFEST, organized by Transparency International-Indonesia and the NGO SPEAK (Voice of Youth Anti-Corruption), both partners of MSI’s Strengthening Integrity and Accountability Project in Indonesia. More than 20 groups performed to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, with the goal of helping young people adopt anti-corruption as a lifestyle.
Prizes awarded to youth anti-corruption contestants in Serbia
Serbia: More than 80 representatives of government, NGOs and international organizations participated in a conference supported by the USAID-sponsored Judicial Reform and Government Accountability (JRGA) project. This reflected the importance of anti-corruption work to Serbia’s E.U. aspirations. Among the speakers were members of the board of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister, the U.S. Deputy Charge of Mission and the E.U. Ambassador. The event included a roundtable discussion of anti-corruption efforts and awards for a children’s competition of the best anti-corruption slogans, art and films. With national elections expected in the spring of 2012, the Agency is particularly focused on political finance issues. Under the JRGA project, MSI provides assistance to the Serbian Anti-Corruption Agency and other Independent Agencies strengthening their institutions in the anti-corruption fight.
President Karzai at Anti-Corruption Day
Afghanistan: MSI served on the government committee that planned International Anti-Corruption Day activities in Kabul. President Hamid Karzai opened the conference. The President and Brig. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the Commander of Combined Joint Interagency Task Force Shafafiyat, spoke about progress over the last decade but acknowledged that Afghanistan still faces problems of corruption and organized crime.
Philippines: MSI’s I-Pro project co-sponsored, together with Transparency International-Philippines, an anti-corruption conference, ‘Bridging the Gaps in Integrity Initiatives.’ It was attended by the new Ombudsman, Justice Minister and approximately 90 other high- level government officials, media and NGOs.
